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Finnish Political Culture and System is an open online course providing a basic introduction to Finland.

What are the Finnish political system and culture like?

What is the Finnish welfare state based on, and how does it work?

What makes Finland tick?

As in the other Nordic countries, the political culture in Finland is based on a Lutheran ideology, the ideals of the Enlightenment and a social-democratic ethos. The system is founded on trust and rooted in ideas such as equality and high-quality education for all. These components provide the framework for the welfare state, long considered the cornerstone of Finnish society.

Finnish Political Culture and System is an English-language Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that introduces students to the basic structures of Finnish society and their functioning. Students can complete the course at their own pace with a scope of 1, 3 or 5 credits. Depending the scope, the studies include online lectures, written material, multiple-choice assignments, web-based discussions and essay writing.

The English-language video material for the course is openly available and can also be used for purposes other than studying, such as to integrate or organise activities for immigrants in cities and municipalities.

The course teacher, Anneli Portman, PhD, is an expert working in the City of Helsinki Safety and Preparedness Unit. Her research has focused on the values of political rhetoric and the deep ideological structures of Finnish society:

“I have long examined social structures and power dynamics. I am especially interested in how societies stay together and how people participate in society.”

The opening lecture, open to all, will be held at the University of Helsinki’s Think Corner (Yliopistonkatu 4) on Monday, 15 October 2018, 16.30–18.00 (also online). It is possible to attend the course also after this.